Cyber School Information
Cyber schools are schools that offer classes online. Students can earn a diploma by fulfilling graduation requirements which are congruent to standards required by brick and mortar institutions. Parents who choose to homeschool their children sometimes opt to enroll them in cyber schools, because the students can learn from home in a structured virtual school program without fear of peer pressure, classroom distractions or school violence. Students learn in an environment controlled by their parents.
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Advantages of Cyber Schools
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The student population is growing yearly and school systems are having trouble keeping up with building needs. Teaching students remotely through cyber schools is a solution to this problem. Cyber schools, therefore, can reduce school crowding. Although students may have deadlines for turning in assignments, some cyber schools allow students to advance through classes at their own pace. Cyber schools can also offer a solution for military dependents who wish to take classes that are not offered on base.
Characteristics
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Some cyber schools, like the Pennsylvania Cyber School, offer a customized curriculum for students. Some schools require students to be online at a certain time to participate in live school sessions. Other schools do not have this requirement. Some cyber schools are affiliated with a religion, like Saskatoon Catholic Cyber School. Some cyber schools have online, certified teachers who work with the students. Other cyber schools feature independent learning in which the student does not interact with a teacher. Attendance at some cyber schools is free, because these schools are affiliated with the public school system. Other cyber schools are fee-based.
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Disadvantages of Cyber Schools
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Students who attend cyber schools miss the physical presence of working with a teacher and interacting with other students. Although students can socialize with others in online classrooms, they miss the warmth of the classroom experience. Home Education Magazine calls this "dehumanizing" education. Without the presence of a monitoring teacher or parent, students may be even more tempted to cheat.
How to Determine if a Cyber School is Right
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Students who attend a cyber school should be able to work well independently. The ability to follow written instructions is important. Likewise, students should be bold enough to participate in online discussions and ask questions if unsure about the course material. Choose an accredited cyber school, especially if the student plans to earn a diploma from a cyber school.
The Future of Cyber Schools
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Cyber schools are not likely to replace traditional schools. Many students need and crave human interaction and the socialization that traditional schools offer. Cyber schools do offer a more convenient means to educate students who otherwise would not attend a traditional school.
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References
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